Court Procedures for Juvenile Delinquency Matters

Arraignment

Arraignment is your initial court date. Here is some important information about arraignments:

  • Make sure you arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. on the day of your arraignment in order to complete paperwork.
  • A staff member from the Juvenile Court Service Unit will help you complete the appropriate paperwork on the day of court.
  • Only after completing the appropriate paperwork can your case be called.
  • Cases are not usually called in a particular order, and will begin being called at 9 a.m.
  • When you hear your name called over the loudspeaker, report to the appropriate courtroom. Do not attempt to enter the courtroom prior to the case being called.
  • The judge will advise you of what you have been charged with and will review your paperwork with you.
  • You will potentially be given two different dates: a report on counsel date and/or an adjudication date. A report on counsel date is the date by which your hired attorney must submit a praecipe to the court advising that they will be representing you. An adjudication date is a hearing date.
  • If you choose to waive your right to counsel, you will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your case may immediately move to Adjudication (see below).

Adjudication

Adjudication is your hearing. At this point, you may enter a plea or a hearing by a judge will be conducted.

Disposition

If you are adjudicated delinquent, your case will be scheduled for disposition. Disposition is your sentencing. Dispositions vary from case to case, but may include one or more of the following:

  • Apology letter
  • Community Service
  • Completion of special program(s)
  • Counseling
  • Essay
  • Fine(s)
  • Jail time (options include the Juvenile Detention Center, commitment to Department of Juvenile Justice, or the Adult Detention Center if over 18 years of age)
  • Loss / Suspension of driver's license
  • Restitution
  • Supervised Probation